Law Enforcement Raids California Home Tied to “TikTok Cult” Pastor

Federal authorities carried out a raid on a Tujunga residence linked to Pastor Robert Shinn, who gained notoriety through the Netflix documentary series about the so-called “TikTok Cult.” The operation was part of an investigation into sex trafficking, financial crimes, and COVID-19 fraud.

Law enforcement agencies—including the FBI, IRS, US Postal Service, and Department of Labor—executed warrants at the property, which is partly owned by Shinn. Several individuals were detained during the raid, though their identities remain undisclosed.

Robert Shinn, subject of the Netflix series "Dancing for the Devil," outside his home. — Federal agents raided a property partially owned by Pastor Robert Shinn.

Footage captured by a helicopter showed at least six people handcuffed outside the residence, along with a woman holding a child. Witnesses reported hearing flash-bang grenades during the early morning raid at around 6 a.m.

Shinn, who founded Shekinah Church in 1994 and co-created 7M Films in 2021—a talent management agency that allegedly lured dancers promising TikTok fame—has faced accusations from former members of abuse, manipulation, and sexual assault. Some former dancers claimed they were compelled to surrender a significant portion of their earnings to the church, with one reporting a 10% fee directed to Shinn himself.

Aerial view of the house targeted in the search warrant. — A source claimed this property was central to the ongoing investigation and associated with the Netflix series.

Police officers detaining individuals outside a home. — Several people were detained during the law enforcement operation.

Former dancer Melanie Goldman recounted seeing frightened girls fleeing the church, and others claimed the religious organization and 7M Films are deeply intertwined. Tensions within the community were heightened by allegations of control and abuse, with some members, including Goldman and Miranda Wilking, speaking out publicly.

Shinn has previously rejected claims that his church and 7M are connected to harmful activities, and in 2022, he filed a defamation suit against former members who labeled it a cult.